Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Brand New.  Comes with an impressive leather & metal box+outer box but no manual or paper. This is a new-old-stock clearance from the factory as it has gone into receivership. The regular chronograph used to cost about S$12000 after discount from the retailer here while the used ones were trading for S$8K+ in the good days. This Dakar edition was supposed to cost more than the regular editions when new.

This watch is a rare 2009 Dakar edition as Wyler Genève was the official timekeeper and the shock resisting chronograph was put to test in this famous & gruelling Dakar rally. The Dakar rally originated in 1978 from Paris-Dakar driving through vast desert plains. Hence, the sand coloured dial & a strap where the rally logo is stamped onto it. The event was cancelled in 2008 due to security issues in Africa and it was restarted again in South America from 2009.

This watch has a very interesting shock resistant case which gave birth to it's name "Concept Chronograph". The movement is housed in a round Titanium cage which is suspended on four corners of the main 'chassis' with springs loaded pillars acting like shock absorbers & they are visible through glass windows. You can actually press the glass of this watch & witness it bouncing within the case.

The packaging box is probably one of the finest ever made in the industry with hinged brushed steel plates & gorgeous tan leather that unfolds like a jewellery box.

Retails about S$20K. Wyler appeared in 1923 with several innovations since & was relaunched as Wyler Genève in the 2006 Baselworld with several exciting new watches. However, they fell victim to the 2008 crisis & sold off everything in 2009 & kept the company dormant. These watches are now being sold @ a fraction of what they used to be so they still represent fantastic value for a good design with innovative ideas. The movement is the venerable ETA Cal.2894 so parts & servicing are not an issue except for case & strap parts so don't destroy them.

Live pictures of this watch here